gator blades for 54 deck

[Garrabo]

http://www.jackssmallengines.com/gatkubota.cfm
Could someone confirm if the link above is for the correct gator blades for the 54 inch deck for a BX1830.
Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[HarleyScooter]

Garrabo, I used those blades on my 54" deck BUT you have to make a bushing to reduce the mounting hole from 1-1/8" to, I think it was 7/8 or 15/16". I found the blades to be less expensive here; http://mowproducts.itcstore.com/store/product.aspx?prdId=16641
I hope this helps.
Scott

 

[ToolDad]

Not sure of the P/N, but I just purchased a set of Gator blades "for Kubota 54" deck", but found the same issue, the mounting hole is too large. Not sure if I am going to fund making the necessary bushings or return to the vendor for a refund. You would think they would offer bushings if thay are trying to sell these as a replacement on the Kubota.

 

[slammer]

Have you guys used your Gator blades much? I had a Kubota GR2000 w/48" MMM and the factory blades worked just as well as the Gator blades. Plus the Gator blades while decently made seemed like pot metal compared to my factory blades. I won't be buying any for the new BX.

Slam

 

[HarleyScooter]

Slam, I must have a good set, they held a good sharp edge. As far as the difference to stock blades, I can't say I really noticed any great advantage, until I blocked the discharge on the deck this fall and started running over lots of leaves. The Gators really mulched up my leaves when I could keep the leaves under the deck. And for the bushings if I remember correctly (getting old?) I used a bushing for cat 1 pins to cat 2 arms and cut them to about a 1/4" long. The bushings are 1-1/8" OD. and 7/8" ID.
Scott

 

[ToolDad]

Harley, thanks for the bushing idea. I drew up a design yesterday to take to a machine shop, but if I can use ready made bushing and just cut to length, that will certainly be cheaper. I measured the ID of the OEM blade at about .894" verses 7/8" (.875"), so I wondered about the additional clearance. Anyway, I will check out the bushings you mentioned.

I have the Kubota mulching baffles for my deck, which includes the chute close off. My immediate desire though is to simply generate more lift such that my leaf vaccuum works better. Sounds like the Gators do not really help with lift as compared to OEM. But there are times in the year that I like to mulch too, so not a total loss I think. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Tool,

Here is another option to look into, meg-mo system, 1 or 2 TBN folks have tried them with I think good results.

web page